Keyword Density Checker
Check how often a keyword appears in your text. Use it as a guide, not as a target. Natural writing beats forced density every time.
Add your keyword
The phrase you want to check usage for.
Paste your text
The full article or page section.
Review the percentage
Anything over 3% may be over-optimized.
Check density
What is keyword density and does it still matter?
Keyword density is the percentage of times a target keyword appears in your text. In 2010 SEO advice was to hit 3–5%. In 2026 that advice is outdated. Modern search engines use semantic understanding, not raw keyword counting.
How to use density today
- Aim for 1–2% naturally. If your keyword appears ~15 times in a 1000-word article, that is usually plenty.
- Never write to hit a number. Force-stuffing destroys readability and Google can detect it.
- Use related terms. If the keyword is "running shoes", also use "sneakers", "trail shoes", "footwear". This builds semantic relevance.
- Check density only after writing. Write for humans first, then verify density as a sanity check.
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Density 20%. Spam. Google demotes.Buy our service. (no mention of keyword again)
Density 0%. Page wont rank for that keyword.Running shoes vary in cushioning. Trail runners need extra grip; road sneakers...
Density ~1.5%. Natural variations.Our meta title generator builds clean titles. The tool checks length...
Density ~2%. Reads naturally.Frequently asked questions
What is a good keyword density for SEO?
1–2% is generally considered natural. Below 0.5% may signal Google your page is not about that topic. Above 3% looks like stuffing.
Does keyword density still matter in 2026?
Less than it used to. Google now uses semantic search, looking at related terms and overall context. But basic relevance still depends on your keyword being present.
Should I count keywords in headings and alt text?
Yes, those count. Modern checkers usually strip HTML and count the visible text. Headings carry more weight than body text.
What is keyword stuffing?
Repeating the same keyword unnaturally many times to manipulate rankings. Google penalizes it. If your text sounds awkward when read aloud, you have probably stuffed.
How do I increase density without stuffing?
Add more content sections that genuinely cover sub-topics of your main keyword. Density rises naturally with depth.